21 replies to this topic

[az9]

from the flow through pond. Brooks running 12 to 13 inches. Two tiger trout were 11 inches. Didn't sample any browns but they are in there. Going to back off on the feed a little. Must have overestimated total weight. 

 

Fish are now 8 months old.

 

Tiger Trout

 

 

 

 

 

Brook Trout

 

[Matt DeLaVega]

Good golly. I might back off the feed as well. I imagine you want to provide a fish mount that looks natural. I have not caught wild trout that have that length to girth ratio anywhere yet. I know some of the coaster brookies and Labrador brookies get that way, but most places not so much. That is awesome though. Obviously growing well and happy.

[Chasmodes]

Beautiful and chunky!

[az9]

I cut the feed in half. I don't want fatty livers or fish that die just by moving them to another pond. 

[Matt DeLaVega]

I suppose health is a higher priority than growth. Dead smelly fish don't provide an income.

[az9]

I suppose health is a higher priority than growth. Dead smelly fish don't provide an income.

 

Especially if they aren't big enough to sell yet!

[az9]

Removed this 12 1/4 inch tiger trout from the pond. Had some issues. 

 

[az9]

Caught these two quickly today, anesthetized, took a photo and released.

 

 

[Matt DeLaVega]

Shouldn't the tigers outsize the brooks by a good bit? If they don't have that much greater growth, what is the draw? Most devout trout fishermen wouldn't target a hybrid. I just answered my question. It is just something different for the guys who wait for the trucks to dump them in the water. Like those golden rainbows. Is that it?

[az9]

The tiger trout grow slower initially according to an email from a state hatchery superintenent in Massachusetts. However they catch up and surpass the other species due to a lack of stress and wasted calories in gonadal activity.  

 

The draw to anglers is their aggressiveness and as you guessed uniqueness. Personally think a male brook trout in full spawning colors rivals a tiger trout but I know anglers and taxidermists that go googoo eyed over them.

 

Allegedly they are also hardier than even a brown trout according to my hatchery egg source and a prof that wrote an article a few years ago. Supposed to hang in there better when oxygen and temps are marginal. Seems counterintuitive as they are partly brook trout but...

 

Also in a couple of the western states they claim they can be used to control an invasive species known as tui chub and golden shiners.

 

http://www.oregonliv...sts_sendin.html

[TimothyHD]

Being new to close observation of dah fishes, I see a raised, spotted line running the length of these guys.  Especially clear on the second to last pic.  Is that the lateral line?

[mattknepley]

Those Tiger Trout are neat looking. As a kid I, too, woulda been gaga to pull one of those out of the water. Still, for me, no freshwater fish anywhere matches up to the sublime beauty of a colored up male Brookie. Don't think I've ever seen such prominent vermiculation (is that the right word?) as on that one above.

[az9]

Being new to close observation of dah fishes, I see a raised, spotted line running the length of these guys.  Especially clear on the second to last pic.  Is that the lateral line?

 

 

Yes it is. 

 

As a fish taxidermist I have had customers asked me if that is where I sewed up the fish. I wish I was that good!  

[az9]

Those Tiger Trout are neat looking. As a kid I, too, woulda been gaga to pull one of those out of the water. Still, for me, no freshwater fish anywhere matches up to the sublime beauty of a colored up male Brookie. Don't think I've ever seen such prominent vermiculation (is that the right word?) as on that one above.

 

 

The can be quite distinct depending on the strain and time of year. Here's a dorsal view of one from a month or two ago. 

 

[az9]

And a tiger trout from above: 

 

[Matt DeLaVega]

A great way to make a living Cecil. You really carved out a nice niche.

[az9]

A great way to make a living Cecil. You really carved out a nice niche.

 

It's part of how I make my income along with the taxidermy. 

[Matt DeLaVega]

 

It's part of how I make my income along with the taxidermy. 

But they kind of go hand in hand don't they? I suppose bird and mammal mounts are really important though.

[az9]

But they kind of go hand in hand don't they? I suppose bird and mammal mounts are really important though.

 

I consider it part of my taxidermy business for tax purposes. Was told right or wrong not to rack up too many businesses as it's a red flag for the IRS.

 

I stopped doing mammals at least a decade ago and never really got into the birds. I have 100 lakes in just my county alone so I keep busy with fish. Been doing the taxidermy for 33 years now. 

 

I need to get more income in as the wife wants to retire! 

[TimothyHD]

 

 

Yes it is. 

 

As a fish taxidermist I have had customers asked me if that is where I sewed up the fish. I wish I was that good!  

That's hillarious!